The recent violence at Negombo Prison marks the worst prison riots in years, yet you wouldn’t know it if you tuned into the echo chamber of mainstream media like CNN or MSNBC. These outlets seem more interested in sensationalism than in examining the systemic issues plaguing our prisons. They peddle a narrative of chaos while sidestepping the deeper socio-political roots of such unrest, like overcrowding or inhumane conditions. It’s easier for them to paint a picture of criminality than to challenge the establishment that allows these inhumane prisons to fester.

On the flip side, you have Fox News, who, while they are occasionally critical of the government, often spin the chaos into a narrative of “anarchy” run rampant. Their headlines cabal the fear-mongering, implying that lack of strict law enforcement is to blame, rather than considering the societal failures that lead people to these institutions in the first place. Instead of advocating for real reform, they simply reinforce stereotypes about prisoners.

Both ends of the spectrum miss the opportunity to ask the real questions: Why are we treating human beings as if they’re disposable? What are we doing to address the root causes of crime? The crux of the issue is not merely about the riots but rather about a criminal justice system that is failing, and corporate media is too busy playing political football to notice. It’s a disservice to the public.